LEH (Kashmir English): Leh Apex Body (LAB) Co-chairman and Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) President, Chering Dorjay Lakrook, has expressed deep concerns over the BJP-led Indian government’s apparent delay in initiating promised talks with Ladakhi leaders.
The delay, he said, appears to be a calculated tactic by Delhi to impose a proposal under pressure that would not be acceptable to the people of Ladakh.
In a statement, Chering Dorjay said that New Delhi had earlier assured that talks would be held within days after the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) submitted their draft proposal. However, despite these promises, and the fact that the proposal was submitted over a month ago, no formal invitation for talks has yet been extended.
He said LAB had expected the Indian government to invite them for talks after the Parliament session and Ladakhi Losar celebrations. “Both are now over, yet we have still not received any invitation. This is deeply disappointing and frustrating for the people of Ladakh who are seeking a resolution to their demands.”
The LAB and KDA, which represent a wide range of Ladakhi voices, have been pushing for constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, a demand that has gained widespread support across the region.
The delay in talks has further fueled suspicions that the Indian government may not be prioritizing Ladakh’s concerns.
Dorjay also raised concerns over recent online activity targeting the Ladakh Buddhist Association. “A handful of people seem to have been given a free hand by the authorities to post anything on social media including communal comments targeting the LBA. “This is unacceptable. The LBA remains the backbone of the Leh Apex Body, and its efforts to secure the future of Ladakh must not be undermined.”
Dorjay further spoke about Sonam Wangchuk, the prominent Ladakhi activist, who is currently detained in Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan.
Commitment to Ladakh’s rights
He said that LAB had received messages from him in which he urged the leadership not to step back from its core demands and not compromise on Ladakh’s future. “We plan to meet with Sonam Wangchuk in Jodhpur soon to discuss the situation and reaffirm our commitment to Ladakh’s rights,” Dorjay added.
He further appealed to the people of Ladakh to remain united and not be swayed by a few rumour-mongers, adding that only unity and patience will help in realising their demands.
